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Section 1.

Subdivision 1.

Disability plates; application.

(a) When a motor vehicle registered under section 168.017, a motorcycle deleted text beginas defined in section 168.002, subdivision 19deleted text end, a one-ton pickup truck deleted text beginas defined in section 168.002, subdivision 21bdeleted text end, or a self-propelled recreational vehicle deleted text beginas defined in section 168.002, subdivision 27,deleted text end is owned or primarily operated by a permanently physically disabled person or a custodial parent or guardian of a permanently physically disabled minor, the owner may apply for and secure from the commissioner (1) immediately, a temporary permit valid for 30 days if the applicant is eligible for the disability plates issued under this section and (2) two disability plates with attached emblems, one plate to be attached to the front, and one to the rear of the motor vehicle, truck, or recreational vehicle, or, in the case of a motorcycle, one disability plate the same size as a regular motorcycle plate.

(b) The commissioner shall not issue more than one plate to the owner of a motorcycle and not more than one set of plates to any owner of another vehicle described in paragraph (a) at the same time unless the state Council on Disability approves the issuance of a second plate or set of plates to an owner.

(c) When the owner first applies for the disability plate or plates, the owner must submit a medical statement in a format approved by the commissioner under section 169.345, or proof of physical disability provided for in that section.

(d) No medical statement or proof of disability is required when an owner applies for a plate or plates for one or more vehicles listed in paragraph (a) that are specially modified for and used exclusively by permanently physically disabled persons.

(e) The owner of a vehicle listed in paragraph (a) may apply for and secure (i) immediately, a permit valid for 30 days, if the applicant is eligible to receive the disability plate or plates issued under this section, and (ii) a disability plate or plates for the vehicle if:

(1) the owner employs a permanently physically disabled person who would qualify for the disability plate or plates under this section; and

(2) the owner furnishes the motor vehicle to the physically disabled person for the exclusive use of that person in the course of employment.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 168.056, is amended to read:

168.056 TOWING VIOLATION A MISDEMEANOR; EXCEPTIONS.

Any person violating the provisions of deleted text beginsectionsdeleted text endnew text begin sectionnew text end168.053deleted text beginto 168.055deleted text endnew text begin or new text endnew text begin168.054new text end shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. The provisions of sections 168.053 to 168.057 shall not apply where such vehicle is being towed as a temporary movement for the purpose of making repairs, or for the purpose of pulling or towing such vehicle from one point to another point for the purpose of making repairs, or on repossessed cars being towed by an agent or employee of any person or bona fide finance company in the state where such towing is incidental to the repossession of such vehicle.

Sec. 3.

Subd. 1b.

Collector's vehicle, classic car plate.

(a) Any motor vehicle manufactured between and including the years 1925 and 1948, and designated deleted text beginby the commissionerdeleted text end as a new text beginfull new text endclassic car because of its fine design, high engineering standards, and superior workmanship, and owned and operated solely as a collector's item shall be listed for taxation and registration as follows: An affidavit shall be executed stating the name and address of the owner, the name and address of the person from whom purchased, the make of the motor vehicle, year and number of the model, the manufacturer's identification numbernew text begin, verification of the vehicle's full classic car status from nationally published standards and guides as determined by the registrar,new text end and that the vehicle is owned and operated solely as a collector's item and not for general transportation purposes. If the commissioner is satisfied that the affidavit is true and correct and that the motor vehicle qualifies to be classified as a classic car, and the owner pays a $25 tax and the plate fee authorized under section 168.12, the commissioner shall list such vehicle for taxation and registration and shall issue a single number plate.

(b) The number plate so issued shall bear the inscription "Classic Car," "Minnesota," and the registration number or other combination of characters authorized under section 168.12, subdivision 2a, but no date. The number plate is valid without renewal as long as the vehicle is in existence in Minnesota. The commissioner has the power to revoke said plate for failure to comply with this subdivision.

deleted text begin(c) The following cars built between and including 1925 and 1948 are classic:deleted text end

Sec. 4.

Subdivision 1.

Plates; design, visibility, periods of issuance.

(a) The commissioner, upon approval and payment, shall issue to the applicant the plates required by this chapter, bearing the state name and an assigned vehicle registration number. The number assigned by the commissioner may be a combination of a letter or sign with figures. The color of the plates and the color of the abbreviation of the state name and the number assigned must be in marked contrast. The plates must be lettered, spaced, or distinguished to suitably indicate the registration of the vehicle according to the rules of the commissioner.

(b) When a vehicle is registered on the basis of total gross weight, the plates issued must clearly indicate by letters or other suitable insignia the maximum gross weight for which the tax has been paid.

(c) Plates issued to a noncommercial vehicle deleted text beginas defined in section 168.002, subdivision 21a,deleted text end must bear the inscription "noncommercial" unless the vehicle is displaying a special plate authorized and issued under this chapter.

(d) A one-ton pickup truckdeleted text begin, as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 21b,deleted text end that is used for commercial purposes and is subject to section 168.185, is eligible to display special plates as authorized and issued under this chapter.

(e) The plates must be so treated as to be at least 100 times brighter than the conventional painted number plates. When properly mounted on an unlighted vehicle, the plates, when viewed from a vehicle equipped with standard headlights, must be visible for a distance of not less than 1,500 feet and readable for a distance of not less than 110 feet.

(f) The commissioner shall issue plates for the following periods:

(1) New plates issued pursuant to section 168.012, subdivision 1, must be issued to a vehicle for as long as the vehicle is owned by the exempt agency and the plate shall not be transferable from one vehicle to another but the plate may be transferred with the vehicle from one tax-exempt agency to another.

(2) Plates issued for passenger automobiles must be issued for a seven-year period. All plates issued under this paragraph must be replaced if they are seven years old or older at the time of registration renewal or will become so during the registration period.

(4) Plates issued under subdivisions 2c and 2d and section 168.123 must be issued for the life of the veteran under section 169.79.

(5) Plates for any vehicle not specified in clauses (1) to (3) must be issued for the life of the vehicle.

(g) In a year in which plates are not issued, the commissioner shall issue for each registration a sticker to designate the year of registration. This sticker must show the year or years for which the sticker is issued, and is valid only for that period. The plates and stickers issued for a vehicle may not be transferred to another vehicle during the period for which the sticker is issued, except when issued for a vehicle registered under section 168.187.

(h) Despite any other provision of this subdivision, plates issued to a vehicle used for behind-the-wheel instruction in a driver education course in a public school may be transferred to another vehicle used for the same purpose without payment of any additional fee. The public school shall notify the commissioner of each transfer of plates under this paragraph. The commissioner may prescribe a format for notification.

(5) pays a fee of $10 for each set of special plates and any other fees required by this chapter; and

(6) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers;

(b) In lieu of the registration number required for identification under subdivision 1, the plates must indicate the official amateur call letters of the applicant, as assigned by the Federal Communications Commission, and the words "AMATEUR RADIO."

(c) This provision for the issue of special plates applies only if the applicant's motor vehicle is already registered in Minnesota so that the applicant has valid regular Minnesota plates issued for that motor vehicle under which to operate it during the time that it will take to have the necessary special plates made.

(d) If owning more than one motor vehicle of the type specified in this subdivision, the applicant may apply for special plates for each motor vehicle and, if each application complies with this subdivision, the commissioner shall furnish the applicant with the special plates, indicating the official amateur call letters and other distinguishing information as the commissioner considers necessary, for each of the motor vehicles.

(e) The commissioner may make reasonable rules governing the use of the special plates as will assure the full compliance by the owner of the special plates, with all existing laws governing the registration of motor vehicles and the transfer and use of the plates.

(f) Despite any contrary provision of subdivision 1, the special plates issued under this subdivision may be transferred by an owner to another motor vehicle listed in paragraph (a) and registered to the same owner, upon the payment of a fee of $5. The commissioner must be notified before the transfer and may prescribe a format for the notification.

Sec. 6.

Subd. 2b.

Firefighters; special plates, rules.

(a) The commissioner shall issue special plates, or a single license plate in the case of a motorcycle plate, to any applicant who:

(1) is a member of a fire department receiving state aid under chapter 69, has a letter from the fire chief, and is an owner of a passenger automobile deleted text beginas defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24deleted text end, a one-ton pickup truck deleted text beginas defined in section 168.002, subdivision 21bdeleted text end, or a motorcycle deleted text beginas defined in section 168.002, subdivision 19deleted text end;

(2) pays a fee of $10 and any other fees required by this chapter;

(3) pays the registration tax required by this chapter for the motor vehicle; and

(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

(b) In lieu of the identification required under subdivision 1, the special plates must bear an emblem of a Maltese Cross together with any numbers or characters prescribed by the commissioner.

(c) Special plates issued under this subdivision may only be used during the period that the owner of the motor vehicle is a member of a fire department as specified in this subdivision. When the individual to whom the special plates were issued is no longer a member of a fire department or when the motor vehicle ownership is transferred, the owner shall remove the special plates from the motor vehicle. If the commissioner receives written notification that an individual is no longer qualified for these special plates, the commissioner shall invalidate the plates and notify the individual of this action. The individual may retain the plate only upon demonstrating compliance with the qualifications of this subdivision. Upon removal or invalidation of the special plates, or special motorcycle plate, either the owner or purchaser of the motor vehicle shall obtain regular plates or a regular motorcycle plate for the proper registration classification for the motor vehicle.

(d) A special motorcycle license plate issued under this subdivision must be the same size as a standard motorcycle license plate.

(e) Upon payment of a fee of $5, plates issued under this subdivision for a passenger automobile or truck may be transferred to another passenger automobile or truck owned or jointly owned by the person to whom the plates were issued. On payment of a fee of $5, a plate issued under this subdivision for a motorcycle may be transferred to another motorcycle owned or jointly owned by the person to whom the plate was issued.

(f) The commissioner may adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act, sections 14.001 to 14.69, to govern the issuance and use of the special plates authorized in this subdivision.

Sec. 7.

Subd. 2c.

National Guard; special plates, rules.

(a) The commissioner shall issue special plates to any applicant who:

(1) is a regularly enlisted, commissioned, or retired member of the Minnesota National Guard, other than an inactive member who is not a retired member, and is an owner of a passenger automobile deleted text beginas defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24deleted text end;

(2) pays a fee of $10 and any other fees required by this chapter;

(3) pays the registration tax required by this chapter; and

(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

(b) The adjutant general shall design the emblem for these special plates subject to the approval of the commissioner.

(c) Special plates issued under this subdivision may only be used during the period that the owner of the motor vehicle is an active or retired member of the Minnesota National Guard as specified in this subdivision. When the individual to whom the special plates were issued is no longer an active or retired member of the Minnesota National Guard, the special plates must be removed from the vehicle by the owner. If the commissioner receives written notification that an individual is no longer qualified for these special plates, the commissioner shall invalidate the plates and notify the individual of this action. The individual may retain the plate only upon demonstrating compliance with the qualifications of this subdivision. Upon removal or invalidation of the special plates, either the owner or purchaser of the motor vehicle shall obtain regular plates for the motor vehicle.

(d) While the person is an active or retired member of the Minnesota National Guard, plates issued pursuant to this subdivision may be transferred to another motor vehicle owned by that individual upon payment of a fee of $5.

(e) For purposes of this subdivision, "retired member" means an individual placed on the roll of retired officers or roll of retired enlisted members in the Office of the Adjutant General under section 192.18 and who is not deceased.

(f) The commissioner may adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act to govern the issuance and use of the special plates authorized by this subdivision.

Sec. 8.

Subd. 2d.

Ready Reserve; special plates, rules.

(a) The commissioner shall issue special plates to an applicant who:

(1) is not eligible for special National Guard plates under subdivision 2c, is a member of the United States armed forces ready reserve as described in United States Code, title 10, section 10142 or 10143, or a retired reserve as described in United States Code, title 10, section 10154, and is an owner of a passenger automobile deleted text beginas defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24deleted text end;

(2) pays a fee of $10 and any other fees required by this chapter;

(3) pays the registration tax required by this chapter; and

(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

(b) The commissioner of veterans affairs shall design the emblem for these special plates subject to the approval of the commissioner.

(c) Special plates issued under this subdivision may only be used during the period that the owner of the motor vehicle is a member of the ready reserve. When the owner is no longer a member, the special plates must be removed from the motor vehicle by the owner. If the commissioner receives written notification that an individual is no longer qualified for these special plates, the commissioner shall invalidate the plates and notify the individual of this action. The individual may retain the plate only upon demonstrating compliance with the qualifications of this subdivision. On removal or invalidation of the special plates, either the owner or purchaser of the motor vehicle shall obtain regular plates for the motor vehicle. While the owner is a member of the ready reserve, plates issued under this subdivision may be transferred to another motor vehicle owned by that individual on paying a fee of $5.

(d) The commissioner may adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act to govern the issuance and use of the special plates authorized by this subdivision.

(2) pays the registration tax required by this chapter for the motor vehicle;

(3) pays a fee of $10 and any other fees required by this chapter; and

(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

(b) An individual may use special plates issued under this subdivision only during the period that the individual is a volunteer ambulance attendant. When the individual to whom the special plates were issued ceases to be a volunteer ambulance attendant, the individual shall remove each set of special plates issued. If the commissioner receives written notification that an individual is no longer qualified for these special plates, the commissioner shall invalidate the plates and notify the individual of this action. The individual may retain the plate only upon demonstrating compliance with the qualifications of this subdivision. When ownership of the motor vehicle is transferred, the individual shall remove the special plates from that motor vehicle. On removal or invalidation of the special plates, the owner or purchaser of the motor vehicle shall obtain regular plates for the motor vehicle. Special plates issued under this subdivision may be transferred to another motor vehicle owned by the volunteer ambulance attendant on payment of a fee of $5.

(c) The commissioner may adopt rules governing the design, issuance, and sale of the special plates authorized by this subdivision.

Sec. 10.

Subdivision 1.

General requirements; fees.

(a) On payment of a fee of $10 for each set of two plates, or for a single plate in the case of a motorcycle plate, payment of the registration tax required by law, and compliance with other applicable laws relating to vehicle registration and licensing, as applicable, the commissioner shall issue:

(1) special veteran's plates to an applicant who served in the active military service in a branch of the armed forces of the United States or of a nation or society allied with the United States in conducting a foreign war, was discharged under honorable conditions, and is a registered owner of a passenger automobile deleted text beginas defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24deleted text end, recreational motor vehicle deleted text beginas defined in section 168.002, subdivision 27deleted text end, or one-ton pickup truck deleted text beginas defined in section 168.002, subdivision 21bdeleted text end, but which is not a commercial motor vehicle as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 16; or

(2) a veteran's special motorcycle plate as described in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), (f), (h), (i), or (j), or another special plate designed by the commissioner to an applicant who is a registered owner of a motorcycle deleted text beginas defined in section 168.002, subdivision 19,deleted text end and meets the criteria listed in this paragraph and in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), (f), (h), (i), or (j). Plates issued under this clause must be the same size as regular motorcycle plates. Special motorcycle license plates issued under this clause are not subject to section 168.1293.

(b) The additional fee of $10 is payable for each set of veteran's plates, is payable only when the plates are issued, and is not payable in a year in which stickers are issued instead of plates.

(c) The veteran must have a certified copy of the veteran's discharge papers, indicating character of discharge, at the time of application. If an applicant served in the active military service in a branch of the armed forces of a nation or society allied with the United States in conducting a foreign war and is unable to obtain a record of that service and discharge status, the commissioner of veterans affairs may certify the applicant as qualified for the veterans' plates provided under this section.

(3) pays a fee of $10 for each set of two plates, and any other fees required by this chapter; and

(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

(b) The additional fee of $10 is payable at the time of initial application for the special plate emblem and when the plates must be replaced or renewed. An applicant must not be issued more than two sets of special plate emblems for motor vehicles listed in paragraph (a) and registered to the applicant.

(c) The applicant must present a valid card indicating membership in the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars.

(3) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

(b) The special plates must be of a design and size determined by the commissioner. Only one set of plates, or a single plate in the case of a motorcycle, bearing the inscription "MEDAL OF HONOR" may be issued for each qualified applicant.

(2) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

(b) The special plates must be of a design and size to be determined by the commissioner. Only one set of plates, or a single plate in the case of a motorcycle, bearing the "EX-POW" inscription may be issued for each qualified applicant.

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(c) "Eligible person" means a surviving spouse, parent or legal guardian, child, or sibling of a person who has died while serving honorably in active service. For the purposes of this section, an eligibility relationship may be established by birth or adoption.

(5) contributes a minimum of $30 annually to the Minnesota critical habitat private sector matching account established in section 84.943; and

(6) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

(b) The critical habitat plate application must indicate that the annual contribution specified under paragraph (a), clause (5), is a minimum contribution to receive the plate and that the applicant may make an additional contribution to the account.

(c) Owners of recreational vehicles under paragraph (a), clause (1), are eligible only for special critical habitat license plates for which the designs are selected under subdivision 2, on or after January 1, 2006.

(d) Special critical habitat license plates, the designs for which are selected under subdivision 2, on or after January 1, 2006, may be personalized according to section 168.12, subdivision 2a.

(5) contributes a minimum of $30 annually to the Minnesota "Support Our Troops" account established in section 190.19; and

(6) complies with laws and rules governing registration and licensing of vehicles and drivers.

(b) The license application under this section must indicate that the annual contribution specified under paragraph (a), clause (5), is a minimum contribution to receive the plates and that the applicant may make an additional contribution to the account.

Sec. 18.

Subd. 7.

The Minnesota child passenger restraint and education account is created in the state treasury, consisting of fines collected under subdivision 5 and other money appropriated or donated. The money in the account is annually appropriated to the commissioner of public safety to be used to provide child passenger restraint systems to families in financial need, school districts and child care providers that provide for the transportation of pupils to and from school using type III vehicles or school buses with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, and to provide an educational program on the need for and proper use of child passenger restraint systems. deleted text beginThe commissioner shall report to the legislature by February 1 of each odd-numbered yeardeleted text endnew text beginInformation new text endon the commissioner's activities and expenditure of funds under this sectionnew text begin must be available upon requestnew text end.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.751, is amended to read:

169.751 DEFINITIONS.

For the purposes of sections 169.751 to deleted text begin169.754deleted text endnew text begin 169.753new text end the following words shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this section:

(a) "First aid equipment" shall mean equipment for the purpose of rendering first aid to sick or injured persons as prescribed by the Department of Public Safety for its State Patrol vehicles, such equipment to include materials for the application of splints to fractures.

(b) "Patrol motor vehicles" shall mean the State Patrol motor vehicles used in law enforcement of the Department of Public Safety, the county sheriffs, and the various city, town, and other local police departments.